Oman completes full takeover of SalamAir while preserving dual-airline strategy

Muscat and Dubai, 29 March 2026 — The Government of the Sultanate of Oman has completed a full acquisition of budget carrier SalamAir while confirming that both SalamAir and Oman Air will continue to operate as fully independent brands. Authorities said the move preserves distinct low-cost and full-service propositions, keeps existing fleets and operational identities intact, and is intended to improve efficiency and expand national and international connectivity.

Direct quote

"الطيران العُماني" و"طيران السلام".. تناغمٌ وتكامل؛ من أجل طيرانٍ أكثر تكاملًا، وسعةٍ تشغيليةٍ أوسع، وسياحةٍ مستدامة.

— Official tweet, Government Communication (@Oman_GC), 26 March 2026

Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, framed the takeover as a deliberate dual-airline strategy designed to "minimise overlap between the two airlines’ destination networks" and to ensure more efficient utilisation of aircraft and resources. According to the minister, travellers will benefit from "a wider range of options spanning two distinct economic categories," preserving SalamAir’s low-cost model while maintaining Oman Air’s full-service offering.

Founded in 2016 and launching its first flight in January 2017, SalamAir has grown into Oman’s primary low-cost carrier with a network that now covers more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. Key international routes include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Turkey and Thailand, while domestic services include routes such as Muscat to Salalah.

• Fleet: approximately 15 Airbus aircraft (A320neo and A321neo) configured for short- and medium-haul routes.
• Passenger traffic: more than 3.4 million passengers carried in 2025.
• Operations: in excess of 22,000 flights annually.
• Business model: low-cost base fares with optional paid services such as baggage, meals and seat selection.
• Partnerships: existing codeshare arrangements with Oman Air remain in place to complement the dual-airline strategy.

Officials told TravelsDubai the acquisition is expected to strengthen the financial performance of both carriers and related ground service companies by improving cost structures and enhancing revenue quality. The government highlighted that the restructuring is intended to support long-term sustainability and align with Oman’s Vision 2040 priorities on economic diversification and infrastructure development.

Operationally, SalamAir has recently undertaken network optimisation measures, including temporary route suspensions to certain destinations due to regional conditions and the introduction or resumption of services such as Duqm. Company spokespeople and ministry statements indicated such adjustments are part of a broader plan to reduce duplication, broaden connectivity and increase overall seat capacity without merging brand identities.

Looking ahead, the government expects the twin-brand approach to deliver wider travel options for passengers, more efficient aircraft utilisation and supportive outcomes for tourism and trade. The acquisition leaves SalamAir’s distinctive bright green livery, low-cost product and regional footprint intact while positioning both carriers to coordinate commercially where beneficial but compete in their chosen market segments.